Will nikon kit lens 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 work as good as nikon 50mm 1.8g or nikon 35mm 1.8g?

Going to be taking some group shots outside early afternoon (plenty of light). Should I use 18-55 3.5-5.6, the 50mm 1.8g or the 35mm 1.8g (all nikon on a nikon d5000)? And should I go with single point focus AF or Auto area?
Probably 2-3 rows of people about 10 wide.
I'm thinking the 35mm at around 5.6 from approx 28-30 feet away, any suggestions?

Find out for yourself, it's the way we all learned.

The 18-55mm can cope with the situation easily, that's why it's included with entry-level bodies as a starter lens.